“So into our 13th Year – 1978

Saturday 20th May saw us take part in our first serious competition. It was the Welsh Brewers’ Choral Competition held in Carmarthen. Five choirs took part – Gwalia, Dinefwr, Dyffryn Tywi, Carmarthen and Dunvant.

Two choirs went through to the next round – Gwalia and Dunvant – we were on the way!!

Our programme that night   –   Song of the Jolly Roger

                                               –   Myfanwy

                                               –   Kalinka

                                               –   The Whiffenpoof Song

                                               –   Non Nobis Domine

The adjudicator was the late Haydn James of Swansea.

Due to wishing to pursue his musical studies, Clive Williams resigned as accompanist and Beverly Sanders, age 17, became our new accompanist. She undertook her 1st concert with the choir at Bishopston OAPs on Monday 10th July.

July saw the semi-final of the Welsh Brewers’ Choral Competition at Barry and Gwalia and Barry M.V.C. were to go through to the final in September. Seven choirs took part in this final held on Saturday 16th September including some “big guns” like Dunvant and Froncysyllte. Duvant won 1st prize of £1,000. This was really big money in the competitive field at this time.

Alan John was the adjudicator and he virtually dismissed the Gwalias as merely a Glee Party and I am sure he was wondering what we were doing there amongst such auspicious company. In later years he was to change his opinion drastically about us.

Wednesday 11th October saw us return to our birthplace when we gave a concert at St. Jude’s Church, Mount Pleasant, Swansea – it was quite nostalgic for the founder members.

At the AGM held on 8th February, it was reported that we had had some success with recruitment the previous year when we had recruited a whole 4 new members. At this period relationships with the Civil Service Club Committee were somewhat strained and we decided to “take the bull by the horns” and clarify certain matters between the 2 committees. At this meeting the constitution was amended concerning the size of the choir. It was felt that “a maximum of 30” was too restrictive so it was changed to “approximately 30” – not particularly definitive but we all understood what it meant.

Big decision taken at this meeting when we discussed an agenda item entitled “Casual Garments” – no, not off-the-shoulder T shirts – CHOIR PULLOVERS. We purchased some a few months later and the ladies’ section donated £98.48 towards the cost of them; well done ladies – you have been a considerable help to us over the years.

  Top Attendances 1978 – Roley Morris    – 100%

                         Roy Thomas      – 100%

                         Dil Williams    – 100%

                         Marshal Clement – 98%

                         Edmond Johns    – 98%

                         Hugh Jones      – 98%

Note – 3 1st tenors in the top 6!!!

That was 1978 that was.